Where is the authority to enforce military laws derived from?

The authority to enforce military laws is derived from both Congress and the President of the United States, making this the correct answer. Congress has the power to enact laws governing the military through its constitutional authority to make rules for the governing and regulation of the armed forces. This includes establishing the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which is the basis for military law.

The President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, also holds significant authority in enforcing military laws. This role provides the President with the ability to direct military operations and ensure that military regulations are followed. Thus, the combined authority from Congress and the President forms the legal foundation for enforcing military laws, ensuring that military personnel are held accountable to a set of standards designed to maintain order, discipline, and justice within the armed forces.

Other options, such as relying solely on the Secretary of Defense, international military agreements, or state laws, do not provide the complete legal framework necessary for enforcing military laws. The Secretary of Defense operates under the authority granted by Congress and the President but does not possess independent legislative power. International agreements may influence military conduct in certain contexts but do not serve as the primary source of legal authority for military law enforcement. State laws typically govern civilian matters and do